Monday, October 16, 2006

Chinese view of N. Korea

The Chinese Government has been ultra-cautious in its reaction. However, since Monday, Foreign Ministry officials have started to make a point of distinguishing between the North Korean people and their Government in conversations with diplomats.

The Chinese recognize two groups of peoples in the closed off state. One is sinophiles, who want Chinese-like reform and to remove the royalty, i.e. Kim Jong-il. The other is the Royalists, who support the current regime.

And the signs are that China has given up on the North Koreans and might support an internal coup.

Xin Cheng, an estate agent in the high-rise district of Wang Jing, which is popular with resident South Korean businessmen, said many high-ranking North Koreans were buying property there.

Even the Koreans are starting to bug out, meaning that the signs are on the wall inside of North Korea as well.Hat tip to Instapundit.